Thursday, August 25, 2016

Shine! 2016 Spotlight – Sugar Skull Studio

Shine 2016 – an extravaganza
of fashion, music and dance – will be hitting the stage at the
Commodore Ballroom on September 10th . This wonderful
evening is made possible by hundreds of individuals who are rallying
together for mental health. Communities helping communities!

Every single person and every
single business involved is volunteering their time and services.
Because of their generosity, Shine! will be able to donate 100% of
every dollar raised through ticket sales and donations directly to
the evenings recipients - Canadian Mental Health Association and The
Lions Gate Hospital HOpe Centre.

As a thank-you, we will be
highlighting some of the wonderful people and businesses who are
working hard to make this evening the best it can be. Today's
interview is with Gracie Perkins of Sugar Skull Studio, one of 14 salons participating in SHINE!

= = =

Please share a bit about Sugar Skull
Studio - when was it opened, what is the salon's
approach/philosophy?

Hi! Sugar Skull Studio opened in April
2012 in the heart of Gastown. We are a little bunch of misfits that
love to play with hair! It's amazing to make a living doing what you
love! I also host non profit local art shows every few months here at
the salon. They are a ton of fun and I have met so many amazingly
talented gems because of them. Come on by and check out the rotating
art!

Please share about your journey to
open this salon. If you have an interesting or funny story about
the process we'd love to hear it.

Actually, I never wanted to own a
salon. I was busy working chair rental at a downtown salon when the
doors closed suddenly. I had a few interviews and nothing gave me the
freedom I had worked so hard to get. So me, being the stubborn
one I am, with the inspiration of my fellow past co workers, kind of
just fell into it. It's a LOT of work. I just want to play with hair,
but there is so much more to running a business. I respect any
business owner. I learned a lot, love every moment of it and wouldn't
change it for the world! Failure is not an option. But it's not about
the money, it's about the love of art!

How many artists work here and what
is the range of services you offer clients?

Currently I have five part time artists
working here with me. I love the diversity and positive vibes they
all bring to the table!

Nikki worked with me for three
years at the previous salon, she is an amazing colour tech with 14
years experience.

John worked there also, he is a
barber and specializes in hair tattoos and has a tutorial book
coming out soon!

Velvet has been with me from the
start and with the community for over 25 years, shes a fire cracker.

Stephanie joined the team a few
months ago. She seems to be fitting in with great, with fun cuts and
colours.

Jt is our junior stylist that
seems to be growing her clientele fast, especially her
cuts!

I have been doing hair since 2003. I
love to play and am always up for a challenge. But I really
love textured fun cuts and head turning colours that pop!
Check us out on Instagram at @sugar_skull_studio.

What would you most like future
clients to know about Sugar Skull Studios?

If you are a prude, don't bother coming
by! If you like to laugh, listen to good tunes and wanna have some
fun while getting your locks looking pretty then come check us out!

For interested new clients - how
should they book a consultation? Connect with the right artist?

You can call the salon (604-569-0111)
or text me personally. (778 549 8905). I try to match
accordingly, but since every stylist is chair rental, there are no
set hours. I book up really fast, but I work long days to try
and accommodate everyone! Usually you should call a good week or
so before you want to come in to make sure I have room! :)
Consultations are always free.

Please share how you heard about
Shine 2016 and why you feel it's important for your salon to
participate in this fundraiser in this fundraiser for mental
health and addiction which address the stigma of mental health.

I have been ever so lucky to be working
with Dean since the beginning. I was brought on as the underdog for
BRILLIANT because one of the salon owners got pregnant and a spot
opened up! I had such a blast. I love the cause and admire
how much work he puts into this show. It's truly inspiring. Four
solid years, and every year the show keeps getting better and more
beautiful! I am proud to be a a part of it all. It was a lot of work,
but we killed it and raised a lot of money for an amazing cause.
I was truly disappointed when I heard what happened with st.
Pauls, especially because how much love sweat and tears
Dean and all of us put into it. I am so excited to be apart of SHINE!
I know its going to blow them out of the water, all us misfits on the
run way and all the gays glittered up, LGBQT will be shining bright!
I CANT WAIT! See you there! #allthelove

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Freelance writer, published author, editor and speaker..
"Everyone has a story to tell, it's just a matter of asking the right questions."
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